Andrea Cardinal

Andrea Cardinal is an Assistant Professor of Graphic Design in the School of Art at Bowling Green State University (BGSU), part of the College of Arts & Sciences. She also serves as Co-Director of Talking Dolls Studio in Detroit, Michigan, and operates Tooth & Rag, LLC, a freelance design consultancy. Her work bridges social justice, disability advocacy, and community engagement through immersive art and design.

Education: MFA in Two-Dimensional Design (Cranbrook Academy of Art, 2009); BFA and BA in Graphic Design and Art History (University of Michigan, 2003).

Research Interests: Andrea’s practice focuses on design justice, disability justice, and beloved community building. Projects include Red Flags Everywhere (a participatory response to systemic fascism) and the Talking Dolls Banner Lending Library, which provides tools for community activism. She integrates disability ethics and punk aesthetics into pedagogy, emphasizing collaboration and joy in social change.

Awards:

• 2021: Honorable Mention, GRAPHIS International Poster Competition (category: Protest Posters 2)

Teaching and Grants: Teaches courses like UX/UI Design, Collaborative Design Studio, and Time-Based Graphic Design. Her work with Detroit organizations (e.g., Black Youth Project 100, Detroit DSA) reflects her commitment to grassroots activism.

Labs/Teams: Leads Talking Dolls Studio, a Detroit-based collective creating progressive art and community infrastructure, including workshops and public art initiatives.